Chinese Beef and Broccoli: Quick One Pan Dinner

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Tender strips of beef, crisp broccoli florets, and a rich, savory sauce come together in this Chinese Beef and Broccoli—your answer to a flavorful, quick one pan dinner. It’s a beloved takeout favorite you can now recreate at home in less than 30 minutes. Packed with nutrients and bold flavors, it’s the kind of meal that hits every craving with minimal cleanup.

This dish is the perfect balance of textures and flavors: juicy beef, crunchy broccoli, and a glossy garlic-soy sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or need a weeknight dinner solution, this recipe brings comfort and satisfaction to the table without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This recipe is incredibly simple and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast yet satisfying. It uses pantry-friendly ingredients, cooks in one pan, and delivers restaurant-level flavor in under half an hour. You can easily double the batch for leftovers or meal prep, and it’s naturally gluten-free if you use tamari instead of soy sauce.

With every bite, you’ll get juicy, seared beef and perfectly cooked broccoli in a mouthwatering sauce that rivals your favorite Chinese restaurant. It’s quick, healthy-ish, and loaded with flavor.

What Kind of Beef Should I Use?

The best cut for this dish is flank steak or sirloin, thinly sliced against the grain to keep it tender. You want a cut that’s lean but flavorful and cooks quickly. Marinating the beef for even 15 minutes with soy sauce and cornstarch helps lock in moisture and tenderness, making every bite succulent.

You can also use skirt steak or even pre-sliced stir-fry beef from your grocery store to save time—just be sure it’s sliced thin and cooked quickly on high heat.

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Ingredients for the Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building rich, layered flavor and perfect texture. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Flank steak or sirloin – These cuts are ideal for quick cooking, providing tender, flavorful beef when sliced thin.
• Broccoli florets – Adds crunch, color, and healthy fiber. Fresh is best, but frozen can work in a pinch.
• Soy sauce – Forms the umami base of the sauce and adds depth.
• Oyster sauce – Offers a rich, savory sweetness that elevates the dish.
• Garlic – Adds sharpness and aroma to the sauce.
• Cornstarch – Helps tenderize the beef and thickens the sauce to coat every bite.
• Sesame oil – A small drizzle adds a nutty finish and classic Asian flavor.
• Brown sugar – Balances the salty and savory notes with a hint of sweetness.
• Fresh ginger – Brings warmth and zing that brightens the overall flavor.
• Neutral oil (like canola or avocado) – For high-heat searing without overpowering the flavors.

How To Make the Chinese Beef and Broccoli

Step 1: Slice and Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice your flank steak against the grain. In a bowl, combine with soy sauce, cornstarch, and a touch of sesame oil. Let it marinate while you prep the rest—this helps make the beef extra tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Blanch the Broccoli

Bring a pot of water to a boil and quickly blanch the broccoli for about 2 minutes until bright green and slightly tender. Drain and set aside. This step keeps the broccoli vibrant and crisp in the final dish.

Step 3: Sear the Beef

Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Sear the beef in batches for a minute or two until browned but not overcooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same pan, reduce the heat slightly. Sauté garlic and ginger for about 30 seconds. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauce, brown sugar, and a splash of water. Let it simmer for a minute until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the beef and broccoli to the pan. Toss everything together until well coated in the sauce. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through and glossy. Serve hot with rice or noodles.

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How to Serve and Store This Chinese Beef and Broccoli

This recipe feeds about 4 hungry people comfortably, making it a great option for family dinner or meal prep. Serve it piping hot over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or lo mein noodles for a complete and satisfying meal.

To store, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Chinese Beef and Broccoli?

Steamed White Rice

A classic and simple base that soaks up the flavorful sauce beautifully.

Fried Rice

Take it up a notch with egg fried rice or vegetable fried rice for more texture and taste.

Lo Mein Noodles

Toss this beef and broccoli with lo mein for a satisfying noodle stir-fry.

Egg Rolls

Crispy on the outside and savory inside, egg rolls are the perfect sidekick.

Hot and Sour Soup

Light and tangy soup adds contrast and rounds out the meal.

Spring Rolls

Fresh or fried, they add crunch and balance.

Cucumber Salad

A cool, refreshing salad to balance the warm, savory beef.

Steamed Dumplings

Soft, flavorful dumplings make it feel like a full Chinese takeout spread.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli can work well in a pinch. Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture that can dilute the sauce.

2. How do I keep the beef tender?
Slice it thinly against the grain and marinate it with soy sauce and cornstarch. Cooking it quickly on high heat also helps lock in tenderness.

3. What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
You can substitute with hoisin sauce or a mix of soy sauce and a bit of brown sugar. The flavor profile will change slightly but still taste great.

4. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce, and double-check your oyster sauce label.

5. Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely! Bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or mushrooms all work well. Just adjust cook times as needed for each veggie.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or swap the beef for chicken? Did you go heavy on the garlic?

I love seeing your kitchen spins on these dishes. Feel free to ask questions, too—we’re here to cook and learn together.

Looking for more quick meals? Check out my daily recipes on Pinterest at Life With Livia.

Conclusion

Chinese Beef and Broccoli is a must-have for anyone who craves savory, comforting meals without the fuss. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, flavorful enough to impress guests, and flexible enough to adapt to your taste.

Once you try making it at home, you may never go back to takeout. Enjoy the simplicity, enjoy the flavor—and make it your own every time.

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